Sauber: We got some valuable results for Pirelli

14 May, 2014

During the first day of testing in Barcelona, the Sauber F1 Team followed a Pirelli tyre programme with test and reserve driver Giedo van der Garde behind the wheel of the C33;

During the wet morning session, the Sauber F1 Team tested Intermediate tyres, while Pirelli allocated Slicks for the afternoon. During the afternoon session Giedo went through the planned programme consisting of long runs with high fuel. Giedo completed a total of 86 laps.

Circuit: Circuit de Catalunya / 4.655 km

Driver: Giedo van der Garde

Weather: Sunny, air 12-16 °C, track 15-19 °C

Chassis / engine: C33-02 / Ferrari

Laps today: 86 laps, 400.330 km

Fastest lap: 1:31.783

Paul Russell, Test Engineer: “The weather was unfortunate. We had some light rain early morning and it was also quite cold. For the morning session Pirelli gave us a test programme with Intermediate tyres. As there was a lot of water on the track, the conditions were difficult and that’s why we couldn’t race that much in the morning. In the afternoon we moved to the Slick tyre testing which has been entirely on high fuel. The session was interrupted by a light shower, but we continued our programme with long runs after the track dried off. Nevertheless, we could run through our afternoon schedule and got some valuable results for Pirelli. It is good that Giedo got more time in the car which is great for him and for the team as well.”

Giedo van der Garde: “Today we got the tyre programme from Pirelli which was on high fuel. We tested several hard compound tyres as they gave us various options. In the morning we were interrupted by light rain, but we could still test a few intermediate tyre options. After that, the track dried off and in the afternoon we completed the test programme for Pirelli. I think it was a good test day. I am happy that I was back in the car again.”

What comes next: Wednesday Esteban Gutiérrez will take over the wheel of the Sauber C33-Ferrari.